Symptoms of Endometriosis

Some women with endometriosis have no symptoms at all. When symptoms are present they range from mild to severe. Women with many large growths may have little pain, while others with small areas of endometriosis may have severe pain.

The symptoms of endometriosis are:

Pelvic Pain
—There is usually severe menstrual cramping, either just before or during menses. Pain can also occur mid-way between periods, continually through the month, or without a specific pattern. Many women have pain when they have sexual intercourse. The pain can occur on both sides of the pelvis, go down to the lower back and rectal area, and down to the legs.

Infertility
—Some experts estimate that between 30%-50% of women with endometriosis are infertile. Infertility is thought in part to result from blockage of the fallopian tubes by endometrial tissue.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis? National Institute of Child Health and Human Development website. Available at: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/endometri/conditioninfo/Pages/symptoms.aspx. Updated June 24, 2013. Accessed October 7, 2015.

What is endometriosis? Endo-Online website. Available at: http://www.endometriosisassn.org/endo.html. Accessed October 7, 2015.